External cephalic version for breech presentation at term

Abstract

Background: Management of breech presentation is controversial, both in regard to manipulation of the position of the fetus and the method of delivery. External cephalic version may reduce the number of breech presentations and caesarean sections, but there also have been reports of increased perinatal mortality with the procedure.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of external cephalic version at term on measures of pregnancy outcome.

Search strategy: The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth trials register was searched. Date of last search: October 1997.

Selection criteria: Randomised trials of external cephalic version at term (with or without tocolysis) compared with no attempt at external cephalic version in women with breech presentation.

Data collection and analysis: Eligibility and trial quality were assessed by GJH and checked by RK.

Main results: Six studies were included. External cephalic version at term was associated with a significant reduction in non-cephalic births (relative risk 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.35 to 0.50) and caesarean section (relative risk 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.39 to 0.71). There was no significant effect on perinatal mortality (relative risk 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 2.92).

Reviewer's conclusions: Attempting cephalic version at term appears to reduce the chance of non-cephalic births and caesarean section. There is not enough evidence to assess any risks of external cephalic version at term.